Java Kajumas Curah Tatal, home-roasted, hand-ground, and brewed in a Bodum French press

I just roasted two 2/3-cup batches of this, which I recently purchased from Sweet Maria's. I took the advice on their label, and roasted both batches to FC+ (I counted ten 2nd-cracks, then "pulled the plug"). Turns-out that 4/3-cup was two level-measures of roasted-beans too much for the jar, so I ground-and-brewed the "excess". Good to the last drop!

http://www.horen.org.il/jpegs/coffee/2008/11/08-1.jpg

Suzuki

11-08-2008, 07:25 PM

A nice pot of Darjeerling.

Tomorrow, I'm going to try to head to the GreenBeanery - a local Toronto shop that sells fresh roasted coffee, coffee roasters and green beans (among all manner of coffee gear).

I'm going to try some of their coffee, peruse the roasters and possibly buy a Zassenhaus manual grinder (its not that I relish the hand-grinding experience, its that I don't relish the consequences of waking up my SO at 5:30 am because I'm now sufficiently anal that I'm not willing to grind my beans the night before...).

Also, the lure of home roasting is strong, so I'm very interested to see the different roasters.

Young buds just opening...
http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=14697

Now off to the annual pumpkin shoot!

TimmyBoston

11-10-2008, 12:45 AM

This morning's morning latte, with Yemen Mokha Sharasi:

Scotto that looks amazing! How did you do that?

Scotto

11-10-2008, 06:39 AM

Scotto that looks amazing! How did you do that?

That's the beauty of microfoam. Can't get that at Charbucks! It is a dense, silky foam instead of the big-bubbled crap you get at most coffee shops. A fair amount of practice required, but the results are worth it. It makes the cappa taste much different; the mouthfeel is thick and viscous. Plus if you get it right, you can make all sorts of poured designs like the one I showed.

Howard Newell

11-10-2008, 07:32 AM

This morning it was Sulawesi Goo Goo muck. Not quite as bad as Sweet Maria's description, but it was somewhat swampy and funky tasting. At least it's a learning experience.

India Anohki, home-roasted, hand-ground, and brewed in a Bodum French press

http://www.horen.org.il/jpegs/coffee/2008/11/10.jpg

ouch

11-10-2008, 11:59 AM

That's the beauty of microfoam. Can't get that at Charbucks! It is a dense, silky foam instead of the big-bubbled crap you get at most coffee shops. A fair amount of practice required, but the results are worth it. It makes the cappa taste much different; the mouthfeel is thick and viscous. Plus if you get it right, you can make all sorts of poured designs like the one I showed.

Tutorial time!

letterk

11-10-2008, 12:53 PM

Home roasted Kenya Gethumbwini brewed in the TVorm.

TimmyBoston

11-10-2008, 01:00 PM

That's the beauty of microfoam. Can't get that at Charbucks! It is a dense, silky foam instead of the big-bubbled crap you get at most coffee shops. A fair amount of practice required, but the results are worth it. It makes the cappa taste much different; the mouthfeel is thick and viscous. Plus if you get it right, you can make all sorts of poured designs like the one I showed.

Any advice on making microfoam? I've never been able to steam up anything that would be like that.

thirdeye

11-10-2008, 01:27 PM

Right now, a pretty darn amazing cup of Darjeerling. Part of this rocking sample set from Chris. Chris, your right, this is a great everyday tea....

Suzuki

11-10-2008, 01:49 PM

Right now, a pretty darn amazing cup of Darjeerling. Part of this rocking sample set from Chris. Chris, your right, this is a great everyday tea....

The best part is the price $7 for 200g (a bit less than 1/2 pound) - the price:value of this stuff is amazing. I get two good brews from the leaves.

Its got some of the classic muscatel high notes and a nice body - tastes great without anything.

Glad you like it - its from a local vendor who buys tea in bulk and then repackages for the supermarket. The turnover is quite good, so its usually pretty fresh. I often pick up a bag of their tea when I'm looking for something for every day.

Ninja style at a work site-
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/3030627658_55b52a7994_o.jpg

Xiaguan "Holy Flame" Raw Pu-erh Tou

JBHoren

11-15-2008, 10:00 AM

India Anohki, home-roasted, hand-ground, and brewed in a Bodum French press

http://www.horen.org.il/jpegs/coffee/2008/11/15.jpg

expatCanuck

11-15-2008, 12:49 PM

Springside Estate second flush Darjeeling.
Full body, a hint of astringence.

Scotto

11-15-2008, 04:17 PM

Kona Kowali Estate, roasted to Full City yesterday, brewed in a vacuum pot. Pure, malty goodness. This is the real deal, not "Kona" where a few percent is the actual stuff. Good coffee? Damn right. Worth $20 a pound green? No freakin' way.

R-James

11-16-2008, 04:49 AM

Hand ground Indian Peaberry in a French Press. Deep rich and incredibly smooth. I love Sunday mornings.

From 1980-2004 I worked at more hardware/software vendors than I'd care to count, and had amassed a collection of colorful and exotic coffee mugs. Then, when I returned to the US, I tossed all but two of 'em: the beehive and the Xanax mugs. So, I've begun "rebuilding"... but no FEMA-funds for me :frown:

Teaser: There's an absolutely knock-your-socks-off mug that's on its way to me in the mail. Film at eleven.

R-James

11-16-2008, 09:33 AM

JB, Did you ever make it back to Israel? Or am I getting myself confused? Or am I asking something too personal. If so apologies.

sphughes

11-16-2008, 10:22 AM

On my 2nd infusion of Yunnan Noir after coming back from walking the dog and my soon to be 4 year old on his bike. Prior to that I had 2 cups of the final roasting of my 07 Beloya One. I will miss this, but..........

-Scott

JBHoren

11-16-2008, 12:45 PM

JB, Did you ever make it back to Israel? Or am I getting myself confused? Or am I asking something too personal. If so apologies.

No; at least, not yet. My Left Foot/Toe is almost healed, but the job to which I was heading/returning still awaits a final decision on funding -- full- vs. part-time, and for how many years (i.e., 2, 3, or 4).

So, I remain here... treading water... drinking more coffee, but shaving less-frequently. Sigh. And so it goes.

I just picked up some kuki matcha from teavana and am having some today. It is really quite good. It has an almost sweet flavor to it.here is a link:
http://www.teavana.com/The-Teas/New-Teas/Kuki-Matcha-Green-Tea.axd

ouch

11-17-2008, 10:11 AM

I just picked up some kuki matcha from teavana

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWo4YodR9Jo

boboakalfb

11-17-2008, 10:26 AM

French Pressed RR Mexican Chiapas.

merkurguy

11-17-2008, 11:10 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWo4YodR9Jo
I can't see the video at work.

merkurguy

11-17-2008, 12:40 PM

Now I see it. kookie man kookie man.

expatCanuck

11-17-2008, 01:49 PM

French pressed Celebes Kalossi Toraja, followed by some mug-brewed Yunnan Gold
and (currently) a rich, glorious, aromatic mug of Arya Estate Autmnal Darjeeling.

This evening I made up a double infusion of Lapsang Souchong, put it in a large thermal mug and took it out with me. That got me through the meeting. Interesting tea, it always give me a sweet tasting finish.

Jim

11-18-2008, 06:22 AM

Ristretto Roasters-Sidamo in the Tvorm...:001_smile

biomesh

11-18-2008, 06:34 AM

Home roasted Ethiopian Yirgacheffe hand ground with a Zassenhaus grinder brewed with a pour over cone filter.

Home roasting, even just pan roasting, is much better than any store bought beans. Small investment ... large returns.

JBHoren

11-18-2008, 08:54 AM

Guatamala Oriente Dry Process, home-roasted, hand-ground, and brewed in a Bodum French press

http://www.horen.org.il/jpegs/coffee/2008/11/18.jpg

R-James

11-18-2008, 09:01 AM

Love the mug J!!!

Indian Peaberry in a french press. I want a tvorm!!

expatCanuck

11-18-2008, 10:36 AM

... Indian Peaberry in a french press. I want a tvorm!!I'm torn.

I just so enjoy the simplicity & elegance (not to mention economy and effectiveness) of the French press.

+++++

Again, Arya Autumnal Darjeeling (brewed in mug - appalling, I know).

R-James

11-18-2008, 10:38 AM

I only want a tvorm for the volume aspect. sometimes I am out all day in the countryside away from anywhere to brew a cup. and a flask of coffee to take with me would be a good thing.

letterk

11-18-2008, 12:06 PM

I only want a tvorm for the volume aspect. sometimes I am out all day in the countryside away from anywhere to brew a cup. and a flask of coffee to take with me would be a good thing.

Not only will you get more volume, but the Tvorm enhances notes differently than the vacuum pot. All good, but you may find you like certain coffees in the Tvorm, and others in the vacuum pot.

La Colombe, it's the finest coffee on the East coast. roasted here in my town of Philadelphia. you'll find it served at Boulud's restaurant Daniel, Ritz-Carlton NYC. and of course all the best here in Philly.
It is very classic European: bold with low acid like illy but much more complex IMHO. very smooth indeed.

http://www.lacolombe.com/

JBHoren

11-18-2008, 04:13 PM

Earlier this afternoon, I roasted-up a mini-batch of Yemen Mokha Sharasi -- a recent purchase from Sweet Maria's.

Having read (and remembered!) Scotto's blog entry about this bean, and over-roasting in general, I decided to go Full City. Using my WestBend "Poppery II", it took 7-minutes for a 2/3-cup load, and two of 'em filled one of my small jars to overflowing.

So... I took the "excess" and ground it together with a couple of scoops of Java Monsooned Arabica. Some sweetener and Half 'n Half, and it was ready to drink.

Verdict: Absolutely delicious!

JBHoren

11-19-2008, 07:54 AM

Kenya AA Tegu, home-roasted, hand-ground, and brewed in a Bodum French press

http://www.horen.org.il/jpegs/coffee/2008/11/19.jpg

R-James

11-19-2008, 09:02 AM

Where do I start. I visited Stuart Lee today at pumphreys coffee near my place, and he is one of the nicest chaps I have ever met. When I went in he pulled me a shot of espresso with his own brazillian espresso blend out of his very pretty La Spaziale machine. He then pulled 2 lattes and did some awesome latte artwork on the tops, 2 different designs, and gave me one of them. Later on from that after a good chat in the shop he asked if I had tried Ethiopian Yirgacheffee. When I said I hadn't he made me a filter cup with a pour over cone. None of these drinks he charged for.

I went away with 3 100g samples of coffee and I will be visiting him most likely weekly now for my beans.

Suzuki

11-19-2008, 01:28 PM

Yin Zheng Bai Hao Jasmine Silver Needles - sold by QED and given to me by Papasmurf.

Interesting stuff - VERY floral nose and taste - very mild tea (it is white tea, after all) with a nice light sweetness, some astringency and a bit of a soapy note (not in a bad way and I often get this with heavily scented jasmine teas).

Well my Inferno has run out, and tomorrow the last of the Mocca sanani beans. So i'll be heading down to pick up a new batch of Juncalito and Monsun malabar this time around. Unless they have started early with the X-mas coffee which is a perfect blend of different beans, i long for christmas just for that reason, it's unbeatable. :w00t:

R-James

11-20-2008, 07:08 AM

Vac pot of Has Bean 4 Bean Blend. Mellow rich and smooth. Lovely

expatCanuck

11-20-2008, 09:31 AM

Where do I start. I visited Stuart Lee today at pumphreys coffee near my place, and he is one of the nicest chaps I have ever met. When I went in he pulled me a shot of espresso with his own brazillian espresso blend out of his very pretty La Spaziale machine. He then pulled 2 lattes and did some awesome latte artwork on the tops, 2 different designs, and gave me one of them. Later on from that after a good chat in the shop he asked if I had tried Ethiopian Yirgacheffee. When I said I hadn't he made me a filter cup with a pour over cone. None of these drinks he charged for.

I went away with 3 100g samples of coffee and I will be visiting him most likely weekly now for my beans.

Sweet!!
Tho I still consider myself fortunate to work near a vendor that has reasonably recently roasted beans.
- Richard

I also couldn't resist trying the Jacu bird coffee as espresso. Not a good idea; great as drip, but weird tasting as espresso.

Suzuki

11-21-2008, 08:02 AM

Hand ground GreenBeanery Yergachiffe - very nice stuff.

Switching over to tea soon...

JBHoren

11-21-2008, 09:15 AM

http://www.horen.org.il/jpegs/coffee/2008/11/21.jpg

JBHoren

11-22-2008, 06:35 AM

http://www.horen.org.il/jpegs/coffee/2008/11/22.jpg

R-James

11-22-2008, 09:59 AM

Indian Peaberry in a Bodum French Press

Jim

11-22-2008, 10:31 AM

Ethiopian Harrar from RR in the TVorm.:001_smile

expatCanuck

11-22-2008, 08:44 PM

Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, French pressed.

I really enjoy my teas, and this pu-erh thing is splendid, but if this was the only caffeinated beverage available, that'd be okay.

Jim

11-23-2008, 09:10 AM

Hug steaming mugs of RR Bali "Blue Moon" in the Tvorm.:001_smile

JBHoren

11-23-2008, 09:45 AM

http://www.horen.org.il/jpegs/coffee/2008/11/23.jpg

R-James

11-23-2008, 09:52 AM

Has Bean 4 Bean Blend in a french press.

ouch

11-23-2008, 10:01 AM

http://www.horen.org.il/jpegs/coffee/2008/11/23.jpg

You use almost as much cream as I do. :lol:

(But I'll wager not nearly as much sugar.)

expatCanuck

11-23-2008, 02:04 PM

This a.m., Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, French pressed. Running low.

Now, Bai Hao oolong.

R-James

11-24-2008, 06:38 AM

Indian Peaberry in a press.

After I erm kind of got bored of paperwork and housework and decided to see what would happen if I ground some shupu to turkish fine and put it in an ibrik brewer, and then tried it coarser in a vac pot.

Please nobody ever get experimental with tea and grinders. It does not end well. Ever.

Of course I knew this before I set off but I hate forms and anything works as a distraction!

We may need a poll thread on milk and sugar. I shall start one, as I used to take both but better coffee has weaned me of them.

JBHoren

11-25-2008, 08:29 AM

http://www.horen.org.il/jpegs/coffee/2008/11/25.jpg

freqz

11-25-2008, 09:43 AM

Today it is SM's Guatemala Oriente Dry-Process (http://www.sweetmarias.com/coffee.central.guatemala.html#GuatemalaOrienteDryP rocess) roasted last Friday. The roast went a little long (first snaps of SC) and muted the chocolate flavors in this batch, but they're still there. They've been fading pretty rapidly and today it's just a hint in the background. Very nice.

Next up: Guatemala Finca San José Ocaña (http://www.sweetmarias.com/coffee.central.guatemala.html#SanJoseOcana) Roasted to C+ on Sunday. Should be perfect for the holiday over Wed-Thur.

Jim

11-25-2008, 09:47 AM

This morning a huge steaming mug of my beloved RR Sidamo.

JBHoren

11-26-2008, 08:04 AM

http://www.horen.org.il/jpegs/coffee/2008/11/26.jpg

R-James

11-26-2008, 08:08 AM

Vac Pot of Costa Rica Tres Rios this morning and a press of Indian Peaberry this afternoon